What Should I do if I Receive a Letter Before Proceedings (PLO letter)?
If the Local Authority are considering taking you to court due to concerns for your child, then they will usually send you a PLO Letter inviting you to a pre-proceedings meeting (PLO Meeting). PLO stands for "Public Law Outline" which sets out how proceedings for children are dealt with by the courts.
If you receive a PLO Letter it is important to get in touch with a solicitor as soon as you can. A PLO Meeting is your chance to avoid court proceedings, and we can help you by advising you before a PLO Meeting and accompanying you to the meeting. Our specialist Care solicitors will be able to explain the concerns the local authority has about the child and offer expert advice on how to resolve the situation most efficiently. Although PLO meetings are designed to be constructive, it may be upsetting for a parent to hear what the local authority has to say about their children. By offering independent legal advice, a solicitor will help to keep the discussion on track with a view to doing what is best for both the child(ren) and the parents. We aim to resolve problems at the earliest stage to avoid care proceedings in court. But if matters do escalate, we can continue to assist you throughout any court proceedings.
If you receive a PLO Letter in relation to your child or a child for whom you have parental responsibility you are eligible for Legal Aid to pay for the full cost of a solicitor to advise you before a meeting and also to attend the meeting with you
Legal Aid Available
Legal Help is provided by the Legal Aid Agency in some circumstances, subject to a means test. We are happy to have an initial discussion with you free of charge to discuss how we may able to help.
Legal Aid is always available for parents of children who are being taken to court by social services”. Find out more about Legal Aid.
Why choose Banner Jones Family Law Solicitors?
Several of our care solicitors are on the Law Society's Children Panel. Only solicitors who meet the Law Society’s exacting accreditation requirements are permitted to join the Children Panel and represent children in public law care proceedings.
Our experts in public law care proceedings can provide you with support and guidance throughout the care proceeding's process. We are specialists in cases involving non-accidental injury and child neglect.
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